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Giving Back Edition A W H O L LY O W N E D S U B S I D I A R Y O F H E A R T L A N D H E R I T A G E M E D I A
November 7th, 2026 | Edition 18
Rooted in our Communities
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Weld Central FFA Members Attend and Compete at 2026 National FFA Convention and Expo PG. 4 >>
Giving Back Grace Bible Fellowship
Operation Christmas 2026
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Hudson Public Library
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
EDITORIAL
Giving Back Means Showing Up
By Tammy Whitaker, Editor Lost Creek Sentinel Happy November—or, as we like to call it here at the Lost Creek Sentinel, “Giving Back” month!
I’m about to do something I rarely do: I’m going to scold you, our readers. You may think I’m out of line, but hear me out. In October, we announced that we would once again honor our tradition of giving back to the communities we serve by offering local nonprofits the opportunity to share their stories in the Sentinel—at no charge. We invited organizations to tell our readers about the work they do, the people they serve, and the ways our communities can support them. I was excited to fill these pages with stories of the generosity, compassion and hard work happening throughout our region. Instead, I received two articles. I’m grateful to the organizations that took the time to share their stories, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read about their work in this edition. But I have to admit, I’m disappointed that we didn’t hear from more of you. This month’s Giving Back section is slimmer than I had hoped. I’m having a hard time understanding why a nonprofit would pass up an opportunity for free publicity. Our paper reaches thousands of homes and businesses, and sharing your story could introduce your organization to someone looking for help, a volunteer searching for a way to serve, or a neighbor who didn’t know your organization existed. I know nonprofit leaders and volunteers wear many hats. You’re busy raising funds,
The Lost Creek Sentinel Hudson, CO 80642 Editor/Publisher Tammy Whitaker Graphic Design Corporate Imagination Printed by Colorado Trust for Local News Collaborators
organizing events and helping others, often with limited time and resources. Perhaps our invitation was missed, or perhaps writing an article felt like one more thing on an already overflowing list. If that was the case, please reach out. To keep up that spirit of giving in this the most precious of giving seasons, we’re going to try again in December. We would love to help you tell your story. Your work matters, and our communities deserve to know about it. After all, giving back works best when we show up for one another. All articles should be sent to editor@ lostcreeksentinel.com by no later than endof-business on November 22nd.
Patty Sheats, VA Medical Center Diane Blocker, Diane’s Travel Ashleigh Sager, Highlands Academy Lance Fleming, Market & Main Realty Milos Kral, PreClear Cybersecurity Toby Karr, Edward Jones
We would love to hear from you! Please direct comments to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com
From all of us at the Lost Creek Sentinel, we wish you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, kindness and a little hometown heart.
Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
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SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED
THANKSGIVING ABROAD – IN A WAR ZONE By Patty Sheats
For our servicemen and women in war zones, Thanksgiving can hold homesickness, gratitude, camaraderie, and danger— all in the same day. Their experience depends greatly on where they are stationed and what their mission requires. The mission continues. Patrols, guard duty, flights, and other responsibilities do not stop for the holiday. Veterans have described spending Thanksgiving in foxholes, aboard submarines, or flying combat patrols. Some get time to celebrate; others fit a meal around their duties. VA News A familiar meal can mean a great deal. Military cooks and supply teams work to bring turkey and traditional fixings to deployed troops. At larger bases, that may mean a full holiday dinner. At remote outposts, where troops ordinarily rely on packaged meals, getting a hot Thanksgiving meal can
take considerable effort. An Army account from Afghanistan describes troops sharing that small comfort while working in an unpredictable, hazardous environment. defense.gov The people beside them become their holiday family. Sharing food and familiar traditions can offer comfort, even while reminding them of the people missing from the table. Soldiers interviewed in Afghanistan described celebrating with their combat family as the next best thing to being with family at home. The United States Army There is no single way they feel. For some, it is a meaningful break and a cherished memory with their unit. For others, it is a difficult day of missing home—or simply another workday to get through. A holiday meal can bring a little of home within reach, even when home is very far away.
LET'S TALK REAL ESTATE
The “A-Go” Triangle – Sleeping Giant No More By Lance Fleming
When I talk to people from Denver, the mountains, or even from out-of-state friends and family who have flown into DIA, it often comes up that I’m from northeastern Colorado. They often times have their mental imagery of where I’m from. Words like “drylands”, “way out”, or some sort of description of a gas station they’ve stopped at on their way to Nebraska or Kansas is thrown into the mix. I sometimes laugh with them a little bit and let them know where I grew up, using Interstate 76 as the path for them to follow, explaining that Keenesburg is a 35 minute drive from Denver. Or let them know I live in Wiggins, now, which has now gotten confused for Roggen (the two “g’s” I’m sure) because they
have heard of Rodeo Dunes. Or I let them know it’s just outside of Fort Morgan, which more often than not is confused for Fort Collins. You know… “way up there by Wyoming.” But I don’t think that a majority of people who do not live out here on the great Colorado steppe realize that this area is no longer a sleeping giant. It is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse. As a real estate professional, I spend my days in my car driving what I now call The A-Go Triangle—Agricultural, Gas,and Oil, stretching across the corridor from Fort Morgan to Greeley and down to Brighton. And the landscape is changing fast. I’m seeing massive spikes in questions about development, water rights, mineral assets, and investment
properties while home prices stall out in Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. The A-GO Triangle is the Dairy Capital of Colorado. And I’m not talking about going out with a stool and pale to milk the cows. More than $800-Million is produced in Weld County alone. The Triangle accounts for a staggering 85%-90% of the state’s total milk. Beneath our short-grass prairies rests billions of dollars in the DJ Basin. Weld County alone drive Colorado into the top five oil-producing states in the country, backed by billions in investments from global energy titans like Chevron, Oxy and Civitas. And it’s not just the gas and oil industry that is bringing energy to the State. Pawnee and Manchief Electric Generating Stations
are keeping the lights on across the state, alongside the Xcel Energy Power Pathway Grid which crosses our plains creating a regional backbone of reliable energy. And the next-coming boom isn’t just ag and energy. BNSF Railway is setting up it’s massive Mountain West logistics hub in Hudson, Bandimere Raceway is building its new worldclass track, and Rodeo Dunes has permanently put Roggen on the global golf map. So now when people ask where I’m from, I don’t give them the long, apologetic geography lesson. I tell them I’m form the A-GO Triangle. I grew up in Keenesburg and live in Wiggins now. They may not have hear of it yet, they are about to.
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
Weld Central FFA Members Attend and Compete at 2026 National FFA Convention and Expo INDIANAPOLIS (October 20-October 24th, 2026) – Weld Central FFA members attended the National FFA Convention and Expo this year! Fifteen students and chaperones traveled to Indianapolis, went on tours to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory and the HighPointe Horse Training Farm. Students that attended were Dawson Dever, Dawson Rupple, Sawyer Hanger, Bentley Morgan, Riley Gibson, Addi Powers, Anastyn Perez, Makayla Milligan, Ady Turner, Joselyn Fontius, Chloe Cooper, Morgan Simpson, Hadley Huwa, Natalie Pakiser and Jaylene Salazar Covarrubius. Jaylene Salazar Covarrubias competed in the Spanish FFA Creed Contest and received Bronze. She received State Runner Up at the State Convention in June so was able to qualify for this national contest.
Dawson Dever and Anastyn Perez were State Winners in the Proficiency Award Program. At the national level, Dawson received Gold in Swine Entrepreneurship and Anastyn received Silver in Equine Entrepreneurship. The Weld Central FFA Chapter was also recognized for the National Chapter Award where they were in the top 3 for the state of Colorado and received a 2-Star rating nationally. The students that filled out this application were Alex Bolin, Anastyn Perez, Aubree Klausner, Audrey Koehn, Chloe Cooper, Courtney Bydalek, Dawson Dever, Gabby Graver, Hunter Olson, Jacob Turner, and Taylor Seely. Five past FFA members, Addie Forbes, Kennedy Cardillo, John Howard, Kayla Kitzman and Leah Rupple, received their American FFA degrees. This is the highest degree that you can
receive as an FFA member and less than 1% of all members receive this degree. FFA members attended workshops, sessions and the expo where they connected with hundreds of industry professionals and college/trade school representatives and they heard from keynote speakers. There were around 70,000 individuals who attended the convention and expo from around the country. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,273 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
NOW HIRING CDL DRIVERS FOR GRAIN HAULING ROGGEN LOCATION: Learn more about this position at: RoggenFarmersElev.com Or apply in person at 36401 Weld County Road 24 1/2 Roggen 80652
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
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Fall Update from Weld Central FFA
Weld Central FFA has been busy since the start of the school year with many events, activities and community engagement! At the Southeast Weld County Fair, students led the annual Tractor Driving Contest. This was a great turnout where kids ages 10-18 competed against one another while practicing safety. Students worked with a farmer in Palisade, CO - Palisade Peach Shack - for the Peach Sales Fundraiser. Multiple students competed at the Colorado State Fair and Ryder Halley was selected for a Colorado FFA Foundation Heifer Wrangle Grant. Our FFA chapter had our Back to School BBQ in September and our Chapter Speaking Contest in early October. Ag I students attended the BIG Conference in Brush put on by the Colorado State FFA Officers to learn about FFA and Agricultural Education. During Homecoming Week, FFA members participated in the We are 3 in Action Event where students brought tractors for the “Touch a Truck” Activity and FFA hosted the annual Taste
of Rebel Country Event where local farmers and ranchers sponsored different commodities for community members to have a meal before the football game. Dawson Dever won the Chapter Prepared Speaking Contest and Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, Ryder Halley received Runner Up in Extemporaneous Speaking, Henry Weisenborn won the Chapter Creed Speaking Contest and Khloe Medina received Runner Up, and Nicole Lopez won the Chapter Spanish Creed Speaking Contest. All of these individuals will compete at the District Speaking Contest in November. Ag students in a variety of classes were exposed to a lot of hands-on agriculture during field trips to Cooksey Produce, Pog’s Garden, Rodeo Dunes, Western Sugar and the Livestock Exchange. Students have been visited at their SAE’s, or Work Based Learning - thank you to the following local businesses, farms and locations that provide these opportunities for our Ag
students: Barr Lake, Fill My Cup, Rupple Farms, Swank Farms, Ziggi’s, Spill the Beans, Cattlegrounds Coffee, H-2 Enterprises, Mazzotti Farms, Simpson Farms, Rossi Dairy Produce, Grein Builders LLC., and Johnson Farm & Apiary. Lastly, thank you to everyone who has sponsored events or volunteered at events this Fall for our different FFA events - Zoetis, Ron’s Equipment Company, Southeast Weld County Fair, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats, Chevron Colorado, TAG Genetics, 3D Livestock, Powers Livestock, Huwa Farms, Jack’s Bean Company, Crossover Farms, Baby Blue Livestock, Kalcevic Farms, G&S Solutions, Todd Anderson & Janell Perez, Powers Family, Bolin Family, Turner Family, Stalcup Family, Cooper Family, Dawn Massey, Emilee Klausner, Gracie Bracco, Jenn Langely, Aubree Klausner, Kayla Moore and Hannah Traupe. Thank you to all of our community supporters who make opportunities possible for our FFA members and Ag students!
!! Attention ALL HOME-BASED Business Owners !! Two Ways and Two Times to Join! VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE! Join Us in Person or Join Us on Zoom!
Two Ways and Two Times to Join! VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE! Join Us in Person or Join Us on Zoom!
We Don’t Care How You Join – We Just Care That You DO!!
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
HEALTH & WELLNESS
the pursuit of health Keeping the Lights On When Life Goes Wrong By Kendra Shattuck Legacy Peak Insurance Advisers
When I was a kid, my dad was in a car accident that nearly killed him. He spent nine months in a hospital bed and came through two major surgeries. What nearly broke us wasn’t just the fear of whether or not he would be okay — it was the massive medical bills. Even worse, the family construction company went bankrupt without Dad at the helm. One night we packed up what we could and fled the state with our animals, terrified of being found and having everything taken away. By the time I was in my mid-thirties, our family had been through three bankruptcies, every one of them because of my dad’s health problems. I carry that story with me everywhere I go. But, I also watched a family I know go through the same scenario. The difference was they had supplemental benefits in place, and it showed. They stayed in their house. The groceries kept showing up on the table. The lights stayed on. Nobody had to flee in the middle of the night. They had a hard season — not the end of their world. That’s what supplemental coverage does: it fills the gaps health insurance doesn’t, like the mortgage and the everyday bills that don’t pause when you can’t work. I can’t change what happened to my family. But I can help make sure fewer families around here go through it. So here’s my ask: check with your employer to see if you have supplemental benefits available. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to walk through it with you. You can reach out to me at 720-300-9011. I still remember what that night felt like — and that’s why I do what I do. Because when health fails, families shouldn’t lose everything.
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
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FINANCE
the pursuit of wealth FINANCIAL FOCUS® Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals By Toby Karr, AAMS® Edward Jones Financial Advisor | www.edwardjones.com/toby-karr | 720-509-0504
Your financial security is only as strong as your digital security. A single stolen password, convincing scam or fraudulent investment offer can lead to lost savings, damaged credit or hours spent recovering compromised accounts. As our financial lives move increasingly online, protecting your personal information is part of protecting your financial future. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and technology like AI is making their job easier. But fortunately, some consistent habits can help protect you from many of today’s common threats. Watch out for phishing. Phishing is a common way criminals break into accounts and steal money. These attacks often arrive as emails, texts or phone calls that appear to come from your bank, employer or another trusted organization. Fake websites can trick you into typing in your password or financial details. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests through a separate channel, such as calling a company directly using a number from its official website rather than one provided in a suspicious message. Avoid clicking unexpected links and consider using a password manager which auto-fills your login information only on legitimate websites. Strengthen your accounts. Stolen passwords give criminals easy access to your email, banking and social media accounts. Try using a unique password for every account and enable multifactor authentication whenever it’s offered. When possible, choose phishing-resistant options like passkeys or security keys; they’re harder for scammers to bypass than basic text message codes. Be skeptical of urgency. Scammers increasingly use deepfakes, which leverage AI-generated voices, videos and images to convincingly impersonate trusted people, including company executives, advisors and even family members. These messages often create pressure to send money or share sensitive information immediately. If you receive an urgent request that feels off, slow down. Hang up and try calling back to the person or organization using a known phone number. Many successful scams rely on emotional pressure rather than technical tricks, so a moment of skepticism can go a long way. Protect your money and identity. Fraudulent investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes continue to cost Americans billions of dollars each year. Be cautious of investment opportunities promoted through unsolicited messages or social media contacts, and always verify a platform independently before sending money. If you’re unsure whether an opportunity is legitimate, a financial advisor can help evaluate it before you invest. Data breaches can also put your information at risk, even when you’ve done everything right. It’s smart to check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unfamiliar charges, and to freeze your credit if you suspect your information has been compromised. You may also
choose to freeze your credit preemptively. Keep your devices updated. Software updates often fix security weaknesses that criminals could otherwise exploit. Backing up important files, whether to the cloud or an external drive, also protects you if ransomware ever locks you out of your own data. Small habits matter. Unique passwords, multifactor authentication and skepticism help stop many scams before they start. Take steps to help safeguard your money, identity and long-term financial goals. ### This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
Helping Paws Close to Home: Where to Donate to Animals in Need By Laura Jensen CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
For many of us, pets are more than animals, they are family. Unfortunately, not every animal has a safe home or the care they need. Shelters and animal welfare organizations work every day to help, but they rely heavily on donations and community support. If you’re looking for a way to help animals in need, several organizations throughout Northern Colorado and the Front Range can put your donation to good use. NOCO Humane For those who want to keep their support close to home, NOCO Humane, formerly Larimer Humane Society, is a great place to start. Serving Larimer and Weld counties, with an adoption center in Greeley, NOCO Humane cares for thousands of animals each year. Financial donations help offset the many expenses involved in caring for shelter animals, including food, veterinary care, medications, housing, toys, and other daily necessities. Those who prefer donating supplies or food can also purchase needed items through their online wish lists. Donate to NOCO Humane: https://www.nocohumane.org/ways-to-give/ Animal Friends Alliance Fort Collins-based Animal Friends Alliance helps dogs and cats find loving homes while also providing foster care for pets in need. The organization also assists families facing financial hardship with veterinary care and pet food, helping keep pets with the families who love them. Animal Friends Alliance offers adoption programs, spay and neuter services, community cat programs, pet food assistance, and other resources for local pet owners. Donations provide food, medical care, shelter, and support for animals in need. They also accept pet food and supply donations through online wish lists. Donate to Animal Friends Alliance: https://www.savinganimalstoday.org/donate Humane Colorado Formerly Denver Dumb Friends League, Humane Colorado is another long-standing organization serving animals throughout Colorado. They accept pet surrenders, end of life care, and provide shelter and adoption services while also helping families keep their pets during difficult financial times. Donations support routine and emergency veterinary care, as well as pet food and supplies to help families care for their pets during difficult times. Humane Colorado also offers spay and neuter programs to help reduce pet overpopulation, along with vaccination services for local low-income families seeking to keep their pets healthy. Donate to Humane Colorado: https://humanecolorado.org/donation-center/ American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) For those who want to support animal welfare nationally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), founded in 1866, works across the country to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The organization helps rehabilitate abused and neglected animals, supports foster programs, and assists pets and families affected by natural disasters. Donations can be made as one-time or monthly gifts, memorial or honor gifts, workplace donations, or you can give food and supplies through online wish lists. Donate to ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give Every Donation Makes a Difference Helping animals does not require a large donation. Five or ten dollars, a bag of food, or an item from a wish list can all help provide care for an animal waiting for a second chance. If donating money or supplies isn’t possible, volunteering, fostering, helping at adoption events, or simply sharing information about animals looking for homes are all meaningful ways to help. Whether you choose to support a local organization or a national effort, every act of generosity helps provide animals with the compassion, care, protection, and second chance they deserve. Disclaimer: This article was written by a Certified Veterinary Technician for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It may reference over-the-counter medications for informational purposes only and does not provide or recommend dosages; Always contact your veterinarian if your pet is injured or ill, and seek emergency
Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
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THE agri-CULTURE CLASSROOM
From Harvest to Holiday: The Farmers Behind Thanksgiving More than 400 years after the first Thanksgiving, America’s farmers are still bringing the feast to our tables. Every Thanksgiving, families across America gather around tables filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. It’s a tradition steeped in history, family and gratitude. But behind nearly every dish on that table is a story that began long before the groceries reached our kitchens. It’s a story about farming. And while much has changed since the harvest celebration of 1621, one thing remains remarkably consistent: Without farmers, there would be no Thanksgiving feast. The First Thanksgiving Was a Celebration of the Harvest When English colonists and members of the Wampanoag people gathered in Plymouth in the fall of 1621, they weren’t celebrating a holiday quite like the one we recognize today. They were marking a successful harvest following a year of extraordinary hardship. Agriculture was essential to their survival. The Wampanoag had cultivated the land for generations, growing corn, beans and squash while supplementing their diets with fish, wild game, nuts and berries. Their agricultural knowledge, developed over centuries, would prove invaluable to the newly arrived colonists. Tisquantum, commonly known as Squanto, helped teach the English settlers how to cultivate corn and use fish to enrich the soil. These farming practices contributed to the harvest that became the foundation of the historic gathering. The celebration lasted three days. Historical accounts confirm that the meal included wildfowl, venison and corn. The Wampanoag contributed five deer, while other foods likely included squash, beans, fish and shellfish. Interestingly, there were no mashed potatoes, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes or pumpkin pies. Potatoes had not yet become part of the English colonists’ New England diet, and the ingredients and equipment needed to make pies were limited. But the significance of that gathering went beyond the menu. It represented the importance of the land, the harvest and the people whose labor and agricultural knowledge made survival possible. For Indigenous peoples, giving thanks for the harvest was already a longstanding tradition. The 1621 gathering was one moment in a much longer history of Native American agriculture and harvest celebrations. Where Does Our Thanksgiving Dinner Come From Today? More than four centuries later, America’s Thanksgiving dinner is still an agricultural accomplishment. The difference is that today’s meal often represents the work of farmers and ranchers scattered across dozens of states. Consider the journey of a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Turkey: The centerpiece of the modern Thanksgiving table typically comes from commercial turkey farms, with Minnesota, North Carolina and Arkansas among the nation’s important turkey-producing states. Unlike the wild birds hunted in 1621, today’s turkeys are raised through specialized poultry operations that provide millions of families with their holiday meal. Potatoes: Those creamy mashed potatoes often begin in the fields of Idaho and Washington, where farmers produce enormous quantities of potatoes for American consumers. Colorado farmers also grow potatoes, particularly in the San Luis Valley. Sweet Potatoes: North Carolina is the country’s leading sweet potato producer, providing much of the crop that becomes a favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Cranberries: The familiar bright-red cranberry sauce has strong agricultural roots in Wisconsin and Massachusetts, where growers harvest cranberries from specialized beds and marshland farming operations. Pumpkins: Illinois is a powerhouse in pumpkin production, particularly pumpkins destined for processing. In 2025, Illinois farmers harvested approximately 533 million pounds of pumpkins, supplying an important ingredient in one of America’s favorite holiday desserts. Stuffing and Dinner Rolls: Wheat grown across the Great Plains, including Colorado, Kansas and other agricultural states, is milled into the flour used to make bread, rolls and stuffing. Corn and Vegetables: From Midwestern cornfields to vegetable farms across the country, American agriculture supplies the side dishes that complete the holiday meal. And right here in northeastern Colorado, agriculture remains an essential part of that story. The farms and ranches across Weld County and the surrounding Eastern Plains contribute to
a food system that stretches far beyond our local communities. The wheat fields, corn crops, cattle operations and family farms we pass along our rural roads are part of the same agricultural tradition that made the harvest celebration of 1621 possible. What Will Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in 2026? Although the holiday’s agricultural roots remain unchanged, the price of putting Thanksgiving dinner on the table certainly has. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the national average cost of a traditional meal for 10 people was $49.87 in 2016 and by 2025, that same traditional meal had climbed to $55.18, an increase of approximately 10.6% over nine years. What can families expect in 2026? As of early October, the Farm Bureau’s official 2026 Thanksgiving dinner survey has not yet been released. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s September Food Price Outlook projects that grocery prices will increase approximately 2.4% during 2026. Applying that projected increase to the Farm Bureau’s 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost produces an estimated $56.50 for that same traditional Thanksgiving meal in 2026. Of course, the final cost will depend on the price of turkey, seasonal promotions, weather conditions, transportation expenses and regional differences in grocery prices. Families purchasing a larger turkey, additional side dishes or specialty ingredients should expect to spend more than the national average. Higher Grocery Prices Don’t Necessarily Mean Higher Farm Profits One important part of the Thanksgiving story often gets overlooked. While consumers may pay more for their groceries, that doesn’t automatically mean farmers are receiving more for the products they raise. Farmers face their own rising expenses, including equipment, fertilizer, seed, fuel, labor, insurance and transportation. Weather extremes, crop losses and changing market conditions add even more uncertainty. Consider the difference between the price a farmer receives for a bushel of wheat and the price a consumer pays
for a package of dinner rolls. Between the field and the dinner table are grain elevators, mills, bakeries, packaging companies, transportation providers, distributors and grocery stores. Each adds services and expenses to the finished product. The same principle applies to almost everything on our Thanksgiving tables. That means the final grocery bill reflects far more than the value of the crops and livestock themselves. It’s worth remembering that while we worry about the cost of Thanksgiving dinner, many of the farmers responsible for producing it are worrying about whether their harvest will cover the cost of growing it. A Thanksgiving Tradition Worth Preserving Here in rural Colorado, we’re fortunate to live in communities where agriculture isn’t simply something we read about. It’s part of our landscape, our economy and our identity. We see tractors moving between fields, combines working late into the evening and cattle grazing in pastures. We know families whose livelihoods depend on the weather, the markets and the success of each growing season. And perhaps that gives us a special appreciation for the history behind Thanksgiving. The harvest celebration of 1621 and the Thanksgiving dinners of 2026 may look very different, but they share something fundamental: both depend on the people who work the land and the resources it provides. So, as we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, perhaps we can add one more expression of gratitude to the traditional blessings for family, friends and good health. Let’s remember the farmers and ranchers. The ones who rise before dawn, work through uncertain seasons and take the financial risks necessary to grow and raise the food that nourishes our country. Because from the first harvest feast to the Thanksgiving tables of today, the most important ingredient has always been the same. The dedication of those who feed us. Happy Thanksgiving from the Lost Creek Sentinel — celebrating the people, traditions and agricultural heritage that make our communities strong.
Thanksgiving Dinner: A Decade of Change Year- Act/Proj
Actual 2016
Actual 2025
Projected 2026
% Increase/10 Yrs
Cost
$49.87
55.18
$56.50
13.3%
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation annual Thanksgiving surveys and USDA September 2026 Food Price Outlook. The 2026 figure is an illustrative estimate, not an official Farm Bureau forecast.
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
ONLINE OPTICS
The Most Dangerous File in Your House By Milos Kral PreClear Cybersecurity
If I asked you to name the most dangerous file on your computer, what would you picture? Maybe something with a menacing name. A program with “virus” in the title. A mysterious file with a skull on the icon, hidden in a folder only hackers know how to find. That’s the Hollywood version. The real answer is far less dramatic, and there’s a good chance you’ve opened one today. It’s the PDF attachment. Not a program. Not a strange file with a technical name. Just a PDF: an invoice, a receipt, a form waiting for your signature. You’ve opened hundreds of them, a utility bill, a tax document, a medical record, a restaurant menu. We associate PDFs with paperwork, and paperwork feels safe. Nobody gets nervous opening a bill. That’s exactly why it works. A PDF doesn’t look like a threat; it looks like a chore. And people rarely hesitate before doing a chore. Here’s what surprises people; the dangerous PDF often doesn’t contain anything that looks like a virus. It contains a story. In a campaign tracked by Cisco’s Talos researchers in mid-2025, criminals sent PDFs made to look like invoices and security alerts from names people know: Microsoft, DocuSign, PayPal and Adobe. One pretended to be PayPal and claimed you’d been charged $699 for an iPad you never ordered. There was no malware to find, just a phone number to call if you wanted to dispute the charge. That call is where the real damage often begins. A friendly voice asks you to “verify” your account, install a remote-support program, or read out a card number. Other PDFs hide a QR code. Security firm Barracuda detected more than 500,000 such emails in just three months in 2024, and its 2025 email threats report found that 68% of the malicious PDFs it detected contained QR codes. A QR code hides the link from your eyes, and victims often scan it with a personal
phone that may lack the protection of a work computer. Some PDFs even show a link that looks perfectly legitimate while a second, hidden link sits behind it, pointing somewhere else entirely. Notice the pattern? The file doesn’t break in; it persuades you to open the door. You might assume your email’s spam filter catches all of this. Often, it helps, but PDFs are an awkward fit for it. Much of the trick lives inside the file. Talos researchers described attackers embedding an entire phishing email inside a PDF, complete with logos and a fake invoice, to get past filters that analyze text. Some campaigns even sent the document through Adobe’s own legitimate e-signature service, so it arrived from a name you’d expect to see. The impersonated names are the ones you’d also expect. In the QR-code PDF attacks Barracuda studied, 51% imitated Microsoft services such as SharePoint and OneDrive, 31% imitated DocuSign, and 15% imitated Adobe. Finance, healthcare and education were increasingly targeted, because those fields handle a great deal of sensitive information. Three questions to ask before you open a PDF You don’t need a cybersecurity degree. You need a pause. Before opening an attachment, you weren’t expecting, ask: 1. Was I expecting this? A bill from a company you’ve never done business with is a question, not a document. 2. Is it asking me to act? Calling a number, scanning a code, signing in, “verifying” something, a genuine document informs, a risky one hurries. 3. Can I check another way? Don’t call the number printed in the PDF. Type the company’s website address yourself, or use the phone number on your card or your last real statement. A caution: even an expected file can be a forgery. If you’re waiting for a contract, a fake one arriving at the right moment looks perfectly normal. So, the question isn’t only “did I expect
it?” It’s “does what it asks make sense?” And if you’re still unsure, ask the person who supposedly sent it, using a phone number or email address you already have. It costs thirty seconds. If you run a small business or work in a small office, this matters even more. Barracuda notes that small and mediumsized businesses are especially vulnerable because they often lack advanced security layers. So, make one rule normal: anyone can ask “did you really send this?” without it feeling rude. A culture where it’s fine to double-check is a defense that costs nothing. The most dangerous file in your house isn’t hiding. It’s sitting in plain sight, with a friendly icon and a plausible name, hoping you’ll treat it as routine. The answer isn’t to become suspicious of every document. It’s to treat trust as something a file has to earn, not something it gets by default. The next time an unexpected PDF lands in your inbox, pause for five seconds and ask: “Has this earned my trust?” Your grandmother, I suspect, already does.
Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
11
GIVING BACK Hudson Public Library: There’s Something for Everyone The Hudson Public Library serves as more than a home for books. It is a key player for fostering creativity, lifelong learning, and community engagement and connection. As a proud nonprofit, the library offers free programs and resources that empower residents of all ages to create, learn, and connect. Can’t Make It to the Library? No Problem-The Library Comes to You! Through the Bookmobile, the library extends its services to surrounding communities including schools, parks and neighborhoods in Lochbuie, Keenesburg, Roggen and beyond. By offering multiple library services, the library brings literacy, learning and resources directly to families- ensuring that creativity and knowledge is never out of reach. Your Library, Your Space The Hudson Public Library is here for you whether it’s your first visit, or your hundredth. Here, you can use computers and the internet, print, copy and fax, reserve meeting spaces, and attend programs for all ages. Just a reminder- everything is completely free! The Hudson Public Library is committed to enriching lives and strengthening community ties, ensuring that everyone feels welcome at the library. From community events and the Bookmobile to library programs, there’s something for everyone.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS 2026 Help Us Make Christmas Magical for Local Families! The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Operation Christmas 2026 is underway! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to bring Christmas joy to local families last year. This year, we’re hoping to make an even bigger difference! Nominate a Family Do you know a local family facing financial hardship or difficult circumstances this holiday season? We’re accepting nominations for families who could use a little extra help making Christmas special for their children. The nomination deadline is November 15, 2026. All nominations will be kept private and handled with care. How You Can Help We’re accepting donations of new or gently used toys and clothing, as well as gifts purchased through our Amazon wish list. Individuals AND local businesses are welcome to contribute! Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31WCX7YMERSBX?ref_=wl_share Get Involved To nominate a family, arrange a donation, or learn more about helping, please contact: Leanna Prokop Email: LMP82796@gmail.com Every donation, big or small, helps bring a little Christmas magic to a child in our community. Together, we can make Christmas a little brighter for local families!
Local Talent at the 6th Annual Craft Show Holiday Treasures: 6th Annual Craft Show is back, showcasing the extraordinary talents of local artisans and small business owners in this cherished two-day event. Shoppers can browse unique handcrafted treasures just in time for the holiday season, all while enjoying community spirit. Make, Create, Explore Inside the library’s Makerspace, imagination becomes reality. Providing hands-on access to technology and equipment like 3D Printing, Epilog Laser engraving, Cricut cutting machines and Heat Presses, the Makerspace allows patrons to create, explore and design handmade goods. A favorite space for students, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and hobbyists alike, the Makerspace kindles creativity and innovation. The Hudson Public Library offers literacy, resources and support for all and encourages community members to stop by and discover the magnificence of home at the library.
Grace Bible Fellowship
Sheree’s Seniors This endeavor was on my heart for many years. I have always loved seniors. I grew up surrounded by my parents and their older friends, so it feels natural to focus on these precious people. They have such wisdom and incredible stories to share—if we only take the time to listen. They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry, and their hearts overflow with kindness and gratitude. I wanted Sheree’s Seniors to become a yearly act of love from me and my supporters. I discovered that many elderly residents in senior care homes are often alone and overlooked, especially during the holidays. We started in 2019 with four facilities and 124 seniors. In eight years, we have grown to eight facilities and 348 seniors receiving gifts this year. We survived COVID, and we now have our own Santa who travels with us. It’s truly magical to see their eyes light up at the sight of Santa. My sponsor base continues to grow each year, which allows me to serve additional facilities. I’ve met new friends in the community, reconnected with long-lost ones, and watched our circle of volunteers and supporters expand beyond my wildest dreams. These are the people who make this blessing possible year after year. The energy and excitement are truly contagious. I am always looking for volunteers who bake, sew, knit, crochet, or craft; share their valuable time by filling bags and delivering them to seniors; and provide financial support. If you are interested in contributing to this vision, text or call me at 303-359-3940. Take time when you can to share a little love with a senior. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Grace Bible Fellowship is a BIBLE church located in Brighton, Colorado, and has been serving the local community as a church since 1972. Grace Bible Fellowship operates a local food pantry and is dedicated to serving members of the church, and community members in Brighton, CO and surrounding areas, impacting both Adams County and Weld County. Our food pantry has been a part of our ministry for over 20 years. This outreach program began in a small room in the church referred to as "The Deacon Care Cupboard" in effort to serve struggling families in our congregation, and community and it has grown substantially. Our mission is to extend our ministry through physical, tangible acts of love by providing quality supplemental food boxes to those in need. We view every opportunity to serve as an honor and a privilege, aligning with our belief in the intrinsic value of every person. Grace Food Pantry partners with the Food Bank of the Rockies "Grocery Rescue Program" where food supplements are gathered from local grocery stores, and delivered. The semi-truck arrives at Grace Food Pantry early on Monday mornings they intake a variety of quality food donated by local grocery stores, other supplies are obtained from The Food Bank of the Rockies warehouse, and the church's Food Storage where volunteers take time to complete boxes, create an efficient assembly line, and usher cars into the receiving lines with an open heart and inviting smile. Nurturing the mind, body and spirit of every unique individual we serve through the gift of giving! Drive-Through Food Bank: Held every Monday, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. our drivethrough service allows community members to collect one supplemental food box. We do not require payment or identification. One dollar of donation helps us feed a family of 4 on average, currently serving approximately 230-250 people each week!
Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 18 | November 7th, 2026
13
PASSPORTS AND POSTCARDS
GLOBAL GLOW – EMBRACING TRAVEL THROUGH DECEMBER TRADITIONS Diane Blocker Diane’s Travel of Keenesburg | www.DianesTravelCo.com | 303-359-9457
December transforms the globe into a living scrapbook of cultural heritage. As winter blankets the Northern Hemisphere and summer sun warms the Southern, communities everywhere kindle light, share feasts, and lean into centuries-old folklore. For the curious traveler, December offers a front-row seat to the planet’s most enchanting, unique, and beautifully bizarre celebrations. Our festive journey begins in the Philippines, home to one of the world’s longest holiday seasons. Walk down any street from September through January and you will see parols—intricate, star-shaped lanterns made of bamboo and paper. In San Fernando, the “Christmas Capital” of the country, the Giant Lantern Festival takes center stage. Communities construct massive, electronically choreographed lanterns up to twenty feet wide, creating a dazzling kaleidoscope of light that symbolizes hope and unity. Heading into Europe, the folklore turns delightfully dramatic. In Austria and Germany, December 5th marks Krampusnacht. While Saint Nicholas arrives to reward good children with sweets, his terrifying, horned counterpart, Krampus, prowls the alpine streets. Actors clad in hand-carved wooden masks, heavy sheepskin pelts, and rusty cowbells create a thrilling, theatrical spectacle that keeps ancient pagan roots alive in a modern winter wonderland. Further north in Iceland December brings the Jólabókaflóð, or “Christmas Book Flood.” Stemming from a World War II tradition where paper was one of the few unrationed goods, Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve. The night is spent tucked under blankets, reading and sipping hot chocolate. It is a poignant reminder of how dark winter nights can be conquered by the warmth of stories. Meanwhile, Australia flips the script on traditional winter aesthetics. Here, December marks the height of summer. Instead of gathering around a cozy hearth, locals pack cooler bags and head to the coast. On Bondi Beach, thousands gather for Christmas Day barbecues, swapping heavy roasts for fresh prawns, grilled meats, and cold beer, while a surfing Santa makes a grand entrance on the waves. Whether you seek the glowing stars of Southeast Asia, the thrilling folklore of the Alps, or a sunny beachside feast down under, traveling in December reveals a profound truth: though our customs vary wildly, the instinct to gather, celebrate, and push back the darkness is a beautiful human universal. If you would like assistance booking your next journey, please give me a call. If you have ideas or questions you would like answered in future articles, please drop me a line!
SERVICE DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS
Chelsea Brodal Loan Officer NMLS# 566203 Schedule a free 15 minute consult with me at www.chelseabrodal.com
Office: 303-519-2351 Cell: 303.519.2351
Bob Warner
wrancher@comcast.net Designated a Centennial Farm/Ranch in 2020
Your Complete Electrical Company Industrial Commercial Residential Farm
303-659-4409
60 South Main Street Keenesburg, CO 80643 303.732.4243
Desktop or Laptop Computer Service & Repair 519 Front Street, Roggen
303-849-5260 Tailored insurance, trusted advice, real peace of mind. HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS | FARM | LIFE | TOYS | WORKERS COMP
Your broker, your shield — call us today!
Julie Lewis
info@integrityinsagency.com
IntegrityInsAgency.com
303-732-4608
Ad artwork and design requests can be submitted to: Publisher@LostCreekSentinel.com Content and Articles can be submitted to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com Thank you for supporting our communities!
SERVICE DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS The Answer, My Friend …
Kate Jensen / Edited by Christina Iverson
Thursday, October 1, 2026
JOB BOARD
ACROSS
57 Shorten, as pants
1 ___ Touch, label for 1990s
59 Burrowing garden pest 60 Guitar accessories
Dylan bootleg recordings
62 Like Dylan's singing voice
6 Family member to whom
Dylan sings "you been on
64 Indie music's ___ Iver
my mind"
65 Protest song that has been
10 Feel sore
recorded by hundreds of
14 In unison
artists, including versions
15 ___ Lomax,
translated into German and
ethnomusicologist who was
68 Jubilation
decision to "go electric"
69 Dog's buried treasure
16 Knight's neighbor on a
70 Wordsmith Oscar who,
unlike Dylan, never won an
chessboard
ASK FOR US AT ONE OF THESE LOCAL LOCATIONS:
Oscar
opener that Dylan claimed
71 Eight bits
"took ten years to live and
72 Not much
two years to write"
73 Scornful expression that
20 Aunt, in Spanish
some hear in the delivery of
21 Things filled out in waiting
"Like a Rolling Stone"
rooms 22 Not mine
DOWN
23 Has some bread or caviar,
1 Nonglossy photo finishes
say
2 Old Testament book echoed
25 "Waltzing With ___,"
HUDSON Pepper Pod Pepper Pod Hudson Meat Locker Ben’s Shell Gas Brick StationOven (7th &Pizza Cedar) End of the Trail Bar (after 4pm) Tractor Supply Studio 52 52 Beauty Studio BeautyBar Bar Hudson Public Library Hudson Public Library Pilot Travel Center Pilot Travel Center KEENESBURG KEENESBURG The 1919 Cafe Keene Market The 1919 Café High Plains Bank Keene Market Market Street Mart HighTBK Plains Bank Bank Market StreetStore Mart Family Dollar TownTBK of Keenesburg Bank Pastimes Collective (open Wed-Sat) WIGGINS WIGGINS Mariana’s Mexican Mariana’s Restaurant Country Hardware Country Hardware High Bank HighPlains Plains Bank Stub’s Gas Stub’s Gas&&Oil Oil Stub’s Liquor (next to Stub’s Gas) Wiggins Supers
3
4
5
6
14
9
10
24
27
28
39
29
40
30 36
41 45
48
32
33
52
53
54
37 42
46
49 55
31
26
35
44
13
22 25
34
12
19
21
23
11
16
18
20
60
8
15
17
38
7
43 47
50
56
57
61
51 58
62
59 63
65
66
68
69
70
71
72
73
64 67
in "All Along the
country classic covered in
HUDSON
2
Swedish
a vocal critic of Dylan's
17 "Blood on the Tracks"
1
26 Crumbly cheeses
49 "Yes, yes!," in Spanish
28 Law enforcement org.
50 Like matryoshka dolls
does with "Christmas in the
30 For each
52 Alabama city Dylan was
Heart" royalties
32 With 10-Down, Michigan
Watchtower"
the Basement Tapes
3 Give to charity, as Dylan
sessions 26 Maggie's property, in a
1965 Dylan song title 27 Bookcase component 29 Hoodwinked
college town where the
Memphis blues again"
5 "___ Portrait" (controversial
relatively unknown "Bob
53 "___ on ___," album with
1970 album)
31 Modern term of endearment 34 Aladdin's monkey sidekick 36 Concert lineup
6 Iberian capital in "Boots of
Spanish Leather" 7 Dylan, vis-à-vis the
37 "It ___ Me, Babe," Dylan hit
stuck inside of "with the
4 Director Lee
University of Minnesota
that opens with the lyrics
8 Contents of an atlas
"Go ʼway from my window /
9 Musician DiFranco who
Dillon" made a 1962 folk
the songs "I Want You" and
festival appearance
"Rainy Day Women #12 &
33 U.F.O. flyers
35"
35 Remove ID from, as an
54 To whom a lost letter might
Instagram post
be returned
37 Biblical name meaning
56 "Holy cow!"
"exalted father" (and
58 Dashboard abbr.
Dylan's father's name!)
60 Legendary N.Y.C. punk
Leave at your own chosen
toured with Dylan in 1997
speed"
and 2003
38 Dylan wears a corduroy one
10 See 32-Down
on the cover of his debut
61 Friend in a conflict
album
62 Absolute hoot
38 Minnesota town where
young Robert Zimmerman became Bob Dylan
11 Record label that signed
Dylan in 1961
42 Dylan's iconic 1960s
12 "Theme Time Radio ___,"
Wayfarer sunglasses, e.g. 44 Nails, as a test
66 Sports org. for Pistol Pete,
podcast
43 Film star Brynner
47 South, in Spain
18 Greek goddess of the dawn
48 Brew that might soothe a
19 Marathon swimmer Diana
singer's throat
63 Churchyard trees
40 Ginsberg or Kerouac, e.g. 41 Folksy lass
13 Scrapes (out), as a living
49 Beauty parlor
39 Surface swept by a curler
Dylan's freeform musical
45 ___ Mahal
the inspiration behind "Dignity"
name-dropped in "I Shall Be
67 Come out on top
Free" 46 "Visions of ___," one of
who mentally sings the song
thirteen Dylan songs on
at 37-Across to keep time
Rolling Stone's original "500
51 Baby sheep
music club
Greatest Songs of All Time"
55 Bit of nest-building material
24 Big hunks
list
For the answer key to the Crossword visit: LostCreekSentinel.com
Wiggins Supers
orOr read version readour ourdigital digital edition online at online at: LostCreekSentinel.com lostcreeksentinel.com
JOB BOARD
Ag/Animal Job Opportunity - Operator Seeking Full Time Farm/Ranch, irrigated farming, cow/calf, and small private natural beef feedlot Operator. Must be a self-starter, experience in pivot irrigation with cattle feeding & calving. Benefits, housing, and utilities available.
Bob Warner
wrancher@comcast.net
Send Resume and references to: Rancher PO Box 247 Brighton, CO 80601 Or email to: WRancher@comcast.net